Tanzania has completed East Africa’s longest bridge, a transformative infrastructure project named after the late President John Pombe Magufuli.
Stretching 1.9 miles (approximately 3.1 kilometres) across the Mwanza Gulf on Lake Victoria’s southern edge, the John Magufuli Bridge connects the towns of Kigongo and Busisi, marking a new era in regional connectivity.
Constructed at a cost of £193 million, the bridge eliminates the long-standing dependence on ferries that previously took up to three hours to cross the water. The new crossing reduces that journey to just a few minutes, significantly improving efficiency for both commuters and freight transporters.
The bridge includes a notable 520-metre low-pylon cable-stayed section and was built by a consortium of Chinese companies, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway 15th Bureau.
The bridge was initially named the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge when construction began in 2019 but following the death of President Magufuli, who initiated the project, it was renamed in his memory.
It was renamed to honour his vision and leadership in national development and President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to officially inaugurate the bridge on June 19, 2025.
More than just a standalone structure, the bridge forms a critical part of a broader 55-mile highway network aimed at linking Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, with surrounding mining towns such as Geita, Sengerema, and Usagara.
This integration is set to unlock new economic potential in sectors like agriculture, mining, tourism, and fishing.
Works Minister Abdallah Ulega emphasized that the bridge stands as a symbol of Tanzania’s commitment to developing infrastructure through domestic financing.
“The JP Magufuli Bridge is proof of our ability to mobilize local resources for impactful projects. It will reduce our dependence on ferries and stimulate economic growth in the Lake Zone,” he stated.
Beyond national significance, the bridge is expected to bolster regional trade and improve transport links between Tanzania and neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
With a capacity to carry up to 1,600 vehicles simultaneously and a load limit of 180 tonnes, it is poised to handle heavy commercial and passenger traffic.
According to reports by Global Construction Review, the bridge was built using innovative and environmentally friendly construction techniques.
These included a custom-engineered cofferdam system that reduced the environmental impact by limiting the need for underwater concrete pouring.
The completion of the John Magufuli Bridge marks a milestone in East African infrastructure and regional integration. It not only eases mobility but also stands as a lasting tribute to a leader who envisioned modern connectivity for all Tanzanians.
